Tag: GLBT Indie Author

Forbidden by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

71cU43LcymL._SL1200_

Title:  Forbidden (ARC review)

Series:  Assassin/Shifter series, Book #21

Author:  Sandrine Gasq-Dion         

Genre:  Paranormal Romance

Length:  Novel (128 pages)

Publisher:  Sandrine Gasq-Dion (November 22nd 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts 

Blurb:   Jesse Salvatore has had it. He’s the youngest of three brothers — and the only one born without the werewolf gene. Because he’s human, his brothers, Jaxon and Justice, treat him as if he’s helpless. They constantly battle deadly rogue wolves and won’t let him anywhere near the fight. When he meets Noah King, he knows he’s found his soulmate in the werewolf and soldier. Just as life seems to be brightening, big brother Justice forbids Jesse to see Noah. The two men sneak time together when they can, but it’s not enough. More than a year later, the rogues have targeted Jesse and Justice has no choice but to let Noah protect him.

Noah King has never been in love. One-night stands are more his style. But the first time he sees Jesse Salvatore, his world is flipped upside down by the hot blond-haired, green-eyed human. What’s not to love? Jesse is sweet, smart, gorgeous, and badass. Only one thing stands in their way: Justice Salvatore. When Jesse’s life is threatened, Noah is entrusted with keeping him safe.

Of course, no plan is ever foolproof, and a mission to protect one man changes the lives of many.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GOHU1TI

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Noah King has been in love with Jesse Salvatore since the first time he laid eyes on him. As the youngest Salvatore brother, and a human, he’s rarely left alone and strictly forbidden to date Noah who is a shifter. Jesse is a former Navy SEAL and no stranger to danger. He is beyond fed up with not just his brothers but Noah as well treating him as if he’s made of glass. Over the years, Jesse and Noah have managed a few stolen moments and when they finally kissed, sparks flew, like literally… the lights were flickering, and sparks were flying. Recent attacks by the rogue werewolves have brought them dangerously close to Jesse and the team now knows that they, the rogues, have targeted Jesse.

It takes a real man to admit when he’s wrong, and Justice Salvatore is real big man! With his attention already torn watching after the young human that has caught his eye, Skylar, he asks Noah to protect Jesse. With the assistance of an unpredictable ally, Noah and Jesse go into hiding. The journey they take isn’t just about self-preservation and protecting Jesse, it’s a journey of self-awareness as well. Both men learn more about each other as individuals and as a couple in just a few short days than they have in all the years they’ve known each other. And Jesse’s true nature is revealed when Noah is in mortal danger.

Can I just say it’s about damn time that we, fans of this series, got us some Jesse and Noah love! I have been rooting for this couple for about six books now I think. And let me just say, once these two get started, I don’t think even the fates could have stopped them. After all, they have a couple of years of pent-up sexual frustration to deal with. Again, Gasq-Dion managed to grab onto something fresh and add it to the storyline. Whatever pre-conceived notions you may have about these two as a couple, forget it, they will surprise you.

As per all the previous books in this series, there is a cameo appearance from several beloved characters. But something a little different I’ve noticed in the last three books, the main couple has the majority of the focus. I like that little shift in the writing from Gasq-Dion. I hope she continues to evolve and bring exciting, fresh new characters and backgrounds to the stories. I thought that I would be most anticipating Justice for Skylar, and while I’m anxious for that coupling, I’m really really looking forward to Killian and Stone now as well. Of course, there is still the Jaxon and Elijah story, and Matty and Kane.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

*I received a copy of this audio book from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review through MM Good Book Reviews*

Love and Salvage: Loving Emmett by Mathew Ortiz

814C91lWtOL._SL1500_Title: Love and Salvage: Loving Emmett

Series:   N/A

Author: Mathew Ortiz

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (154 pages)

Publisher: Mathew Ortiz (October 17th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Reviewer:   Eli/Mandingo

Blurb: Tatesville was a quiet little town just east of Atlanta, home to the Gaither clan. Emmett Gaither loved his family and his life. It was perfect. Being the only gay son had its challenges but his family stood by him and loved him all the same. He never dreamed that his world would be turned upside side by the new banker in town. The sexy blonde man made Emmett’s blood boil. But he wouldn’t be interested in a redneck man like Emmett? Would he? 

Alex King had lived a gypsy life. Leaving the northwest, he thought he wanted to live in the bustling city of Atlanta. Still he wasn’t happy, so he jumped on the change to move to a quieter life in Tatesville. He was sure he’d never meet a good guy in the little southern town. Imagine his surprise when one of his customers wanted to fix him up with her SON! Had he move to the Twilight Zone? If so, he was happy to live there when the customer’s tall, dark and handsome walked into his bank…now what? 

Purchase Link:   http://www.amazon.com/Love-Salvage-Loving-Mathew-Ortiz-ebook/dp/B00G07B4GQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1384564947&sr=1-1&keywords=love+and+salvage

Review: I started reading and felt like I’d stepped into the written version of a reality show. Mr. Ortiz has a very vivid way of writing which makes the reader feel that they are sitting in the room and watching the interaction that is happening on the page. While the setting may be a small town – the real setting is The Gaither family – everything in this story is spawned from the members or interaction of the family. The Gaither clan is a fascinating one – they would make a great addition to TLC or another such network, right beside the Duck Dynasty family.  As a result of his writing style, the characters are sharply drawn and thus three-dimensional in nature. So thumbs up on the writing style.

Unlike many m/m main characters, Emmett and Alex are not broken men; lonely and with their insecurities, but certainly not broken –that was a welcome change. They are well-adjusted men who meet and grow to like and then love each other. They must, however, deal with the outside world which presents itself in the way of jobs, friends, and of course the prejudices that come with them.  The men demonstrate beautifully what it means to resolve to make a relationship work and what has to happen for that to occur. The men are vastly different, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a good fit. Check! On character and plot development.

The supporting cast of the story are also very entertaining, a trait Mr. Ortiz excels at as seen with other series books he’s written.  In this story, he clearly outlines the other stories that may be spawned from this tale, by weaving several interlocking tales. This is an exceptional plot tool not just for spawning stories and characters, but ensuring that the reader gets a 360 degree view of the characters by seeing their full lives and how they interact with the world they live in.  I look forward to reading more from this author, especially more about the Gaither clan who are loud, colourful and the perfect setting for any story. It’s nice to know that we’ll see Emmett and Alex again. Round of applause on use of secondary characters to advance the plot line!

And to conclude – There is of course a major conflict in the story. It happens close to the end and helps to propel the readers and the main characters towards the HEA, because love must always conquer all. Kudos to following the time-honoured tradition of how to ensure that the reader is hooked and notions of the romantic standard are followed.

When all is said and done, Emmett and Alex are great characters, we enjoy their love story and their journey, we root for them and when the story is done, we are happy and satisfied.

Paul & Sam by Justin South

13482637Title: Paul & Sam 

Author: Justin South 

Genre:   Contemporary Romance, Suspense

Length:  Novella (45K)

Publisher:  Justin South

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥2.5Hearts

Blurb:   Paul & Sam is a MM romance murder mystery. Their story is plot intensive, with a degree of psychic chemistry, as the following brief description indicates:

19yo Paul lives a lonely, tormented existence. One night he meets Sam in extraordinary circumstances. He discovers Sam hero-worships him for saving his cousin’s life after a cowardly beach incident two years earlier.

Blinded by infatuation for his hero and devastated by the recent death of Tim, his twin brother, Sam passionately pleads to Paul to become his partner. While deciding, Paul is drawn into Tim’s psychic maze of cryptic messages. What is Tim’s influence? Does Tim empower Paul to identify the culprit who caused his cousin’s near-death? Can Paul decipher Tim’s cryptograms to solve the mystery surrounding his passing?

Follow Paul’s journey to love and happiness. Share the passion as two young men overcome insecurities and develop their innate strengths. Admire the kindness and generosity of Sam’s family as it assists others less fortunate. Deliberate the madness of revenge leading to the exposure of evil judicial corruption and a suspenseful court case.

Product Link:  https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/367257

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Paul’s life has been anything but a fairy tale. Mistreated, abused and abandoned by his family for being gay; Paul continually makes the wrong choices in his life. He’s had his moments though. Like when he pulled a young injured surfer out of the water and saved his life. Circumstance and another bad decision will change his life forever this time. The question is, will it be a change for the better? … Or worse!

Sam lost his twin brother Tim to a random act of violence. He almost lost his cousin to a random accident, but the quick thinking of a certain young man saved his cousins life. Sam has idolized that hero in his mind ever since. So when his father brings home a drifter that is down on his luck Sam is overjoyed to come face to face with his hero, Paul. Sam and his family are genuine, down to earth, good Samaritans. So when they make Paul an offer, to become part of their family and become Sam’s life partner, Paul has his reservations. The mutual attraction and animal magnetism that he shares with Sam help him make the right decision.

As the story unfolds, we meet Sam’s cousin and Paul develops an interesting connection with Tim, Sam’s dead twin. In a unique twist, we learn that these random coincidences that occur throughout the story may not be so random after all. They are all, in fact, linked.

There was so much potential in this book that when I finished, I was aggravated that it was never fully recognized. It read like a rough draft for a high school English paper. The storyline of twists and turns and everything converging in the end was so intriguing, that is what kept me reading. At times the dialogue of various characters ran together, this confused me and I had to go back to be sure I was hearing the correct character. The base of the plot, a down on his luck drifter who is completely alone with no family gets the family of his dreams and finds the love of his life, was endearing. The execution, however, did not translate that well in print.

If you can get past the mediocre writing and see just the meat of the story, this might be an enjoyable read for you. I’m giving this one a 2.5 because I’m torn. While the writing wasn’t up to par, the storyline itself was engaging. Hell, that cover alone is worth grabbing a copy just so you can stare at it, pet it!

 

In Liam's Wake by Ashlyn Forge, Review, Blog Tour & Giveaway

liam-tour-promoHey everyone! It’s me Pixie *whoop* I’ve gate crashed again to bring you another Blog Tour this time from a brand new author, Ashlyn Forge!!! I’ve read the book and it’s pretty cool and something to really get your teeth into, there’s also some pretty great prizes to be won so don’t forget to enter the raffle down at the bottom of the page. Oh yeah, don’t forget to show us some love by leaving a comment to tell me how wonderful I am er… I mean how great all us reviewers are and how perfect Portia is (she made me write that LOL). So enjoy the review, join in with the raffle (just follow the link) and help me in my bid for Universe domination! Much snuggles Pixie 😉

In Liam's Wake Cover2Title: In Liam’s Wake

Series: Toy’s and Soldiers 01

Author: Ashlyn Forge

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy    

Length: Novel Plus (439pgs)    

Publisher: Ashlyn Forge (7th October 2013)   

Heat Level: Low – Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: For eight years, Liam Baldwin has been trapped underground in ‘The Colony’. His best friend and fellow detainee, Riley Scott, is comatose. Only Riley knows how to get out, but as the fifth year of his slumber comes to a close, Liam’s hope of ever seeing home again has faded.

Now he’s faced with two options: Continue in his quest to revive Riley despite amassing staggering debt as well as the wrath of bounty hunters and vengeful mutants, or leave the past behind–leave Riley behind–and give his life, his body, his mind, his loyalty over to the establishment by becoming a soldier for The Colony.

Two roads, one path, and no return.     

Purchase Link: US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FPYT5V6

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FPYT5V6

Review: Liam was unwillingly brought to ‘The Colony’ with his now best friend Riley eight years ago. Now stuck underground his only hope of a way out is if Riley wakes up from his five-year coma, but although he clings to his hopes of returning to the ‘Outside’ he has the opportunity to improve his lot by joining the Elete soldiers. Can he give up his dreams of returning home or should he throw the security away on the small hope that there really is a way out?

This story has a very dystopian feel to it, leaving you feeling like we are reading about an all-new world or about survival after an apocalypse, but it isn’t, it is a secret land that is whispered about in legends… Atlantis, Shangri la or Avalon but it is far from the paradise that we dream about. Liam and Riley were dragged to ‘The Colony’ against their will, they were forgotten about then left to fend for themselves, now several years later Liam looks after Riley as best he can, but Liam’s habit of gambling against the odds always backfires. When Riley wakes up from his five years coma unable to remember much of anything, Liam’s hopes of a way out begins to fade and he becomes desperate.

This is a great story that is very involved and has many mystery connections, there are many interesting aspects that we discover the longer we read, and the characters are interesting and varied. Liam is a dreamer, he dreams of returning to New York and his life and refuses to accept the life he now has, he has the opportunity of a lifetime but his dreams are too much to let go of. Riley is messed up he can’t remember much and Liam is nothing like the Liam he remembers, as time progresses he himself begins to change and there is a huge mystery surrounding him.

Although this is a great story, I did wish there was some explanation to explain ‘The Colony’ rather than the clues that were dropped throughout the book. I found myself struggling with the setting until I figured out they were on Earth but in a secret underground world, with very rare people. This is a brilliant storyline that you will leave you both frustrated and desperate for more, you will love and hate the characters as we follow them through the difficulties they face and the difficulties they bring on themselves. We see many story threads that are just at the beginning but we do get a sweet though awkward relationship between Liam and Riley.

I recommend this story if you love science fiction and legends merging, fighting for your freedom against the odds, and finally accepting your place in the world, an honest sweet love, and a twisty ending that raises the eyebrows in surprise.

Ashlyn Forge BioIn Liam's Wake full cover

Ashlyn Forge spends most of her days self-editing, writing, and editing. Her love of
storytelling, and the imagination in general, has put her in an on-and-off
relationship with Writing for a number of years. She is particularly drawn to
anything resulting in blurred lines between magic and science, as is evident in the
surreal world of her Toys and Soldiers series. Her literary ambition in life is to see
one, if not all, volumes of the Toys and Soldiers Series tucked neatly under
everyone’s pillow. If it were not for the discordant jumble of ideas clamoring for
attention in her head, she would also take up crocheting.
Liam Baldwin PortraitSocial Links:
Blog: http://www.ashlynforge.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ashlynforge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ashlynforge
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/author/show/7079034.Ashlyn_Forge
Google+: http://plus.google.com/104492834731918361056

Follow  for a chance to win =  a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Melody in Harmony by Ashley Chunell

71vHNafq+9L._SL1500_Title: A Melody in Harmony

Series:   N/A

Author: Ashley Chunell

Genre: Contemporary

Length:   Novella (87 pages)

Publisher: Ashley Chunell (July 10th, 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts Okay

Reviewer:   Eli/Mandingo

Blurb: Henderson is a small, old-fashioned town. Growing up here proved tough for Noah Nash, as he knew the truth he lived would never be accepted in this town, even by his family. To him, all he had was his keyboard.

Until one day, that all changed when Noah met Ronan Shea. Ronan’s confidence, wisdom and pride inspires Noah to finally, happily live his truth for the entire town to see. 

This is a story of two young men and their journey to a relationship, fighting for equality and listening to their melody while striving to live in harmony.

Purchase Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Melody-in-Harmony-ebook/dp/B00DVN3TF6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1383429643&sr=1-1&keywords=a+melody+in+harmony

Review: This is a basic coming out, coming of age story.  Noah is a young man who’s acknowledged he’s gay and been disowned by his mother, and has a nomadic father who wanders in and out of his life, which sets the stage for Noah to feel uneasy in his own life.  Enter Ronan who is confident, self-assured, out and proud. The two men will become friends, roommates, business partners and then lovers. They do all of this while building a business, battling homophobia, a gay bashing, the death of a family member and long kept family secrets. 

This is a very easy story to read and follows a standard formula, boy meets boy, boy falls for boy, boys have issues, issues are resolved, HEA ensues – which makes it predictable. However, you like Noah and Ronan and you enjoy watching Noah come into his own and their quest to become a couple and remain a loving couple amidst all the things that are happening around them.

What I enjoyed most about Noah and Ronan was how their relationship always had them always being complements of and to each other all through the story, which allowed their friendship and romance to continue despite issues, and others getting in the way. So all in all, while this follows the tried and true formula, there is nothing new or earth shattering here, but it was an engaging read.

Beast Finds Beauty by Joshua Hair

4de72566caa5194b72013aaf5046f67c878004faTitle: Beast Finds Beauty

Author: Joshua Hair

Genre: Dark Comedy / Horror

Length: Short story (9 pages)

Publisher: Joshua Hair (Dec. 17th, 2012)

Heat Level: None

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Beast Finds Beauty is a classic love story revamped to reflect more on modern times.

Just a few simple formula switches turn this classic tale into something new and darkly humorous. This is Beauty and the Beast for the modern day world, a quick and simple tale of foreboding.

Product Link: (free read)

 https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/266286

Review: This tale is a remake of the original Beauty and the Beast, laden with wicked humor, and a few surprising elements thrown in there for a good rising on your heartbeats.

I admit when I started reading this I was not expecting the way the plot went. Not ever would I have thought how the events would turn or that the very end would leave me with vague ideas and to the mercy of my own imagination.

I think this author did a pretty good job in the scary area and if you’re looking for a different kind of “funny” read, a bit dark, a bit fatal perhaps, then this short story will do fine, especially in the spirit of Halloween.

I certainly intend on retelling this tale to my friends for a nice scare. J

 

Song of the Sea by Arielle Pierce

18657472Title: Song of the Sea

Author:  Arielle Pierce

Genre: Paranormal/ Shifters

Length: Flash Short Story (26 pgs)

Publisher: Smashwords sp Airelle Pierce (October 9th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Seeker

Purchase Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/365804

Blurb: When a schooner comes to Dylan’s small Welsh village, the handsome captain, Llewellyn, wastes no time letting Dylan in on why he feels so different. He’s a merman. Llewellyn offers Dylan teaching and freedom from a life he’s never really belonged to. But can Llewellyn offer Dylan what he needs most of all—love? 

Review:  A wonderful story of finding one’s true self.  In Song of the Sea, Rhys and Dylan are young men who, now grown, are looking toward the horizon.  And in their fishing village, one looks to sail the sea, the other is dared to look into her.

I knew after the first paragraph that I had placed Arielle Pierce, Song of the Sea’s author, in the same league as epic fantasy writers.  With solid, delicious sentences that make one start to unwind while reading.  Song of the Sea is escapism at the highest form. 

Bayou Boys Series by Chris Cox

18689967Series:  Bayou Boys

Title: Meant To Be (book 1) Moving On (book 2) Tricked Up for Treats (book 3)

Author:  Chris Cox

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Meant To Be (34 pages)

Length: Moving On (43 pages)

Length: Tricked up for Treats (38 pages)

Publisher: Cox Endeavors LLC (2013)

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   Rusty Duchene and Sean Delahunt are each other’s first loves. Emotionally rough high school years and financially draining college years have drawn them closer together and now, with Sean graduating, they are ready to enjoy all the good life their beloved city, New Orleans, has to offer. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

After a tough job search, Sean is offered his dream job—in Boston. But for Rusty, moving to Boston means leaving the career and the family he loves.
Stay or go? Either way, someone loses. Will their love survive the sacrifice?

Product Link: Book 1/ http://www.amazon.com/Meant-Be-Bayou-Boys-ebook/dp/B00FHYWGB0/ref=la_B00FIASLYO_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382459649&sr=1-2

Blurb:   Friends since grade school, in love since high school, Rusty and Sean have grown up together. When Sean graduates from college, he is offered his dream job, thousands of miles away from home.

Two months apart, while Sean trains for his new career has stirred all kinds of insecurities in Rusty. When they are finally reunited, Sean seems—different. Or is it Rusty who has changed?

When life experiences challenge their love and commitment, Sean and Rusty must decide. Will they move on with lives together or apart?

Book 2/ http://www.amazon.com/Moving-On-Bayou-Boys-ebook/dp/B00FI9JOY6/ref=la_B00FIASLYO_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382459649&sr=1-3

18619320Blurb:   Rusty Duchene signs up his fiancé, Sean Delahunt for a couples’ amateur drag competition sponsored by a local Cabaret Club. The prizes are awesome. But the real prize, the one Rusty is hoping they will win is the prize of letting Sean be himself, at least for just one night.

But the head game he’s playing with Sean comes with a high risk, a risk that Sean will fracture instead of become whole.

If the worst happens, will Rusty be strong enough to hold Sean together, to hold their relationship together, or will this be the end of their long-term love?

Book 3/ http://www.amazon.com/Tricked-Treats-Bayou-Boys-ebook/dp/B00FYZ63FM/ref=la_B00FIASLYO_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382459649&sr=1-1

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  This was just the sweetest series of Novella’s that occupied my morning and left a big smile on my face!

The story of Rusty and Sean started out when they were just children and as teenagers, they realized they wanted something more from each other. Exploration and discovery led to love. With the complete support of one family, and ignorance and hatred from the other, one would think they could find a balance and tip the scales toward happiness. They manage to maintain a relationship through college, separation and a move to a new city.

In Meant to Be, Sean has just graduated and is having some trouble finding a job. Rusty and his family have always been there for him, loved, and supported him even when his only family turned their back on him. But he wants to be a man and be able to provide for himself. When a job offer takes him away from Rusty, will the separation make them stronger? Or tear them apart.

In Moving On, it’s been two long months that Sean has been in Boston training for his new job. Rusty has decided that wherever Sean is, that is where he should be. So he’s packed up their stuff and awaits Sean’s arrival so his parents can say their goodbyes to their boys as well, before taking a chance and leaving everything he’s ever known behind. Everything but the most important thing, Sean.

In Tricked Up for Treats, Sean and Rusty are settling into their new lives in their extremely small, yet extremely expensive apartment in Boston. Now the tables have turned and Sean is the breadwinner with Rusty unable to secure a job. He finds the odd job here and there, determined to pull his own weight, when he comes across a flyer for a Halloween drag contest. Without talking to Sean first, he signs them up and prays his lover will play along.

18619656This series was just such good fun! The constant throughout all three installments is the love that Rusty and Sean share, a love they’ve shared for over a decade. Cox managed to put a lot of content in the few pages of each story as well. Both young men struggle at different times but usually for the same core reason. Sean still has emotional baggage, even if he has buried it deep, from the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father when he told him he was gay. Rusty and his family have helped him to heal tremendously over the years by giving him noting but love and acceptance, but such things leave lifelong scars.

I loved how Cox would show the vulnerability of the characters and then allow their counterpart to reassure and coax them back with love and tenderness. There are no full sex scenes but there is a lot of passion, kissing, and blowjobs to keep the reader satisfied. Innuendos of sexiness were dropped like breadcrumbs in each book, and I think that only added to the joy of this series. Sometimes just a suggestion and your imagination are quite enough. If you are looking for a fun read to fill a couple of hours, or if you are having a blah day, grab these three stories, I guarantee they will leave a smile on your face!

 

Double Full by Kindle Alexander

2940148821502_p0_v1_s260x420Title:  Double Full

Series:  A Nice Guy Novel, book #1

Author:  Kindle Alexander

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novel (275 pages)

Publisher:  The Kindle Alexander Collection (October 8th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   Up and coming football hero, Colton Michaels, makes a Hail Mary pass one night in the college locker room that results in the hottest, sexiest five days of his young life. However, interference after the play has him hiding his past and burying his future in the bottom of a bottle. While Colt seems to have it all, looks can be deceiving, especially when you’re trapped so far in a closet that you can’t see your way out. When ten years of living his expected fast-lane lifestyle lands him engaged to his manipulative Russian supermodel girlfriend, he decides it’s time to call a new play.

Jace Montgomery single-handily built the largest all-star cheerleading gym in the world, driven by a need to forget a life-altering encounter with a handsome quarterback a decade ago. His reputation as an excellent coach, hard-nosed businessman, and savvy entrepreneur earned him respect in the sometimes-catty world of competitive cheerleading. When Jace learns of his ex-lover’s plans to marry, his heart executes a barrel roll and his carefully placed resolve tumbles down without a mat to absorb the shock. Can his island escape help him to finally let go of the past and move his life forward?

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/search?keywords=9780989117388&index=books&linkCode=qs&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  This book was intense, emotional, and passionate. From the opening scene in the locker room to the Hawaiian Islands to an impromptu wedding, Alexander manages to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

Colt Michaels is a painfully closeted pro football player. He’s lived the last ten years of his life in a drunken stupor attempting to drown out everyone and everything around him. He seems to have it all; money, power, success and a beautiful supermodel fiancé, but looks can be deceiving. Ten years ago, he took a chance and took what he wanted, Jace Montgomery. The two fell hard and fast for each other and Colt was determined to have his career and his man. Then Colt’s homophobic father found out and all hell broke loose. He walked away from Jace in order to protect him, but he’s never forgotten him, or the five magical days they spent in Hawaii.

Jace Montgomery has always been open about his sexuality. He’s made an extremely successful career for himself as an award-winning cheer instructor, and even has his own state of the art facility for training. Another man who seems to have it all, again, looks can be deceiving. Ten years ago, he gave his heart away, and it was shattered. The memories of Colt, high school and Hawaii are still very fresh and very painful. Roaming the internet one day he sees the house in Hawaii for sale and on a whim, he buys it. With the announcement of Colt’s wedding, Jace feels his heart breaking all over again and heads off to Hawaii to make some new memories.

In a story full of love, loss, heartbreak, drama, and passion, Colt and Jace will have to find their way back to each other if either of them stands a chance at happiness. But old threats are still looming in the shadows. A life threatening accident forces their hand and decisions that could have negative ramifications have to be made. Can Colt and Jace push through all the bullshit and find their happy ever after?

I loved everything about this book! Soul mates torn apart by a power-hungry and vindictive father, suffering a decade of misery and then finally finding their way back to each other. Colt really transformed from the person he was at the start to the person he became at the end. In the beginning, he was young, uncertain, and scared. But by the end, he was strong, fierce, and loyal. He was never a unlikeable character though. And Jace was always the strong one throughout. He had his moments of weakness here and there, but this just added to his depth and reliability.

If you like strong alpha males, soul mates and some extremely passionate guy/guy reads then you have to get a copy of Double Full, you will not be disappointed!

 

 

A Little Too Broken by Brad Vance

young man imagine by laying on the sofaTitle:  A Little Too Broken

Author: Brad Vance 

Genre:   Contemporary Romance (PTSD, HIV couple)

Length:  Novel (129 pages)

Publisher:  Brad Vance (August 18th 2013)

Heat Level: Mild

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥3Hearts

Blurb:   When Jamie walks through the door of the Humane Society, it’s not just an animal who needs rescuing that day. Tom is there to adopt another service dog into the Canine Comrade Corps, but its Jamie his heart goes out to. But each man turns away, walks away, from the potential pain, the rejection, the knowledge that it’ll all end in tears…

Jamie knows damn well that the HIV he contracted from an unfaithful lover has put him out of the dating game forever in the small town of Santa Vera. Tom lost his legs in Afghanistan, and got new ones, yeah, but with a side order of PTSD to go, he thought grimly. The real problem is that only now does he realize he’s gay, now that the revelation would be just one too many things to put his family through, after everything else they’ve had to deal with.

So both men grin and bear the loneliness, put their feelings on a shelf, even as Jamie’s volunteer stint at CCC turns into friendship and, despite their resolve, something more…

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/A-Little-Too-Broken-ebook/dp/B00EN2M37O/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1378680513&sr=1-1

Reviewer:  Tams

Review:  This is the story of two completely different men who never would have met under normal circumstances.

Tom is a war veteran who lost both legs serving his country in Afghanistan. He suffers from PTSD and he works as a trainer of service dogs. The dogs you see that visit soldiers in the hospital after they return home from war broken and battered. It’s through his job he meets Jamie when he comes to adopt a kitten, but changes his mind. Jamie is enamored with Tom from the moment he sets eyes on him, so he volunteers for Tom’s cause to be closer to him.

Jamie is young and bitter. He is HIV positive, infected by an ex that was selfish and didn’t use protection or disclose his disease with Jamie prior to consummating the relationship. Guys like him should be brought before the firing squad! But, I digress. Jamie falls completely in love with Tom while working with him and getting to know him better. The fact that he doesn’t have real legs never really registers on Jamie’s radar. He just sees the man who Tom is. When two men that are a little too broken are brought together, great things can happen. Like truly loving each other, as you already know what it’s like to be different, to live with the self-doubt and insecurity coupled with your disease or disability.

The book is a little slow in parts, but it came together nicely by the end. There was also an aspect to the sex in this book that bordered a dark side. Vance had some undertones of this perhaps being or becoming a dominant/submissive relationship and that’s not generally an aspect of M/M novels that I enjoy. That being said, neither Tom nor Jamie was ever disrespectful to each other, so that balanced it out for me. If you’re looking for something on the shorter side, that’s a little dirty, but still has a good base story, then give this one a peek.

Lessons Learned by Sandrine Gasq-Dion

18338838Title:  Lessons Learned

Series:  Assassin/Shifter book #19

Author:  Sandrine Gasq-Dion

Genre:   Paranormal

Length:  Novel (158 pages)

Publisher:  Sandrine Gasq-Dion (September 1st 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Heart

Blurb:    Years ago, sensitive Jude Brooks got tired of watching junior high life through the vents in his locker. Unfortunately, handsome Hayden Cox’s favorite pastime was putting him in there. When Jude’s werewolf friends torment Hayden for being human, he takes it out on distractingly beautiful Jude. A lot.

Tired of having his son picked on, pack member Henry Cox moves his family away. “Cox the cock” is gone – so why does Jude feel disappointment mixed with his exhilaration? In another city, Hayden is finally being accepted – so why is he constantly haunted by the memory of mesmerizing violet eyes?

Fast-forward to a meeting as adults, and the air is so thick with tension and anger that it can be grabbed and shaped into adorable animals. Jude’s rage toward his nemesis has boiled over and nothing Hayden can do or say will make it go away. Hayden’s efforts to make peace convince everyone but Jude he’s a changed man. In fact, he’s a werewolf now and he wants nothing more than for Jude to forgive him. Jude wants nothing more than to ignore Cox the cock and be taken seriously as a protector of the pack.

If longing looks and lustful thoughts are anything to go by, this situation is far from resolved. Is Jude’s best friend really dating Hayden? And why does he care? Can he ever completely trust the person who spent years treating him like an algebra book? Will a survival test in Siberia and a stunning revelation bring them together or tear them farther apart?

Maybe they’ll both be taught a lesson about love.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Lessons-Learned-Assassin-Shifters-ebook/dp/B00EX4UIV0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378050738&sr=8-2&keywords=Lessons+Learned+Sandrine+Gasq-Dion

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Jude Brooks and Hayden Cox share a past that threatens a possible future. When they were teenagers, their father’s were members of the same pack. Young and inexperienced, Hayden was confused by his feelings for Jude so he bullied the young wolf in hopes it would cover up the growing attraction he had for Jude. Hayden as well is picked on by the other wolves within their pack for being human, so when Noah and Ross want to tell Jude’s father, Jonas the pack alpha, about the abuse Jude is suffering from Hayden, Jude won’t allow it.

Knowing what his son is enduring and why, Henry Cox severs ties with the pack and moves his family away. Jonas begs him not to remove himself or his family from the protection of the pack, and years later Henry’s decision has devastating consequences. As a parting gift, he bites Hayden and turns him and Jonas is there to pick up the pieces. Hayden is sent off to boarding school with Noah and Ross and given time to adjust to his new self, but he never forgets the dark-haired wolf with the violet eyes that consumes his thoughts.

Fans of this series are fully aware of Jude and Hayden’s story and the lengths Hayden goes to trying to convince Jude that he’s a different person than he was all those years ago. But Jude is stubborn and he has resigned himself to hating Hayden, fighting the pull he feels toward the wolf every time they are in the same room together tooth and nail. When the pair are sent on a mission to Siberia together and alone will the mutual attraction finally be explored? Or will Jude continue to fight against his feelings for Hayden and finally push him away completely with hurtful comments and ignorance?

One of my favorite aspects of this series is getting to follow the lives of characters and couples and watch them grow, into themselves and as individuals and eventually becoming friends and lovers. I’ve been following the story of Jude and Hayden since Jude threw Hayden into the wedding cake a dozen or so books ago. I’ve been watching their story develop on the sidelines for ages, covert glances and innuendos over the years have shown us that the attraction is mutual. But the pain Hayden inflicted on Jude when they were younger is not so easily forgotten. Now they are alone in Siberia, the threat from the rogue wolves looms over them, and they are more open and honest with each other than they’ve ever been. And the sex is off the charts! That backwards lap dance alone had me fanning myself, good god almighty!!

This series and this author continue to amaze me, I mean this is book nineteen in the series and I’m still not bored! With every installment Gasq-Dion manages to bring something new to the table. I am so invested in these characters, I feel like they are extended family, and with each new book it’s like a little family reunion where I get to catch up with everyone! Sexy, steamy, detailed and devious are all characteristics of Gasq-Dion’s writing. If you’re a fan of the M/M genre and you haven’t read this series, my only question is why not??

Note: this is the 19th book in a series that most definitely should be read in order……….

 

In His Arms by Edward von Behrer

91TujtEnMlL._SL1500_Title: In His Arms

Series: N/A

Author: Edward von Behrer

Genre: Historical (20th cent)

Length: Novel

Publisher: Bookbaby (May 13th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Blurb: Twenty-seven year old William Brandt could not have been happier in March 1910. He was finally living in New York City, on the verge of getting a job as a teacher, and reveling in all The Big Apple offered. But then a freak accident in Central Park brought handsome, wealthy Elliot Reid into his life—and William’s world was thrown into chaos. The more two men explore their overwhelming desires for each other, the more the differences between them—plus the times in which they live—seem to make their life together impossible.

Then urgent business forces Elliot to go to Germany for several months, and he persuades William come along as the tutor for Elliot’s nephew, eight-year-old Robert. In Dresden William blossoms, and soon he is being courted by a wealthy young widow, which throws Elliot into a panic. The more frightened Elliot becomes of losing the man he loves, the more he withdraws, and the more William fears he has no alternative but to stay in Dresden—without the man he loves. But attending the world premiere of Richard Strauss’s newest opera, Der Rosenkavalier, forces both men to realize they can no longer run from the only thing that truly matters in the world: their love.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/In-His-Arms-ebook/dp/B00DD3EM0A

Pixie’s Review:  ♥♥♥2.5 – 3 Hearts

William finds bliss and happiness in New York from unexpected quarters. A day out with his cousin George places William in the path of banker Elliot and their attraction cannot be ignored, but finding happiness is harder than both of them thought. With drama, angst, plots, potential intrigue, and a wealth of history, a love story unfolds.

This is one of those stories that begin brilliantly, but gets lost in itself along the way. The story has a very strong start and a wonderful buildup, but then fizzles out. only to renew itself in a new setting before losing itself again. Let me explain… William and Elliot met briefly when William was knocked over in the park by Elliot’s brother-in-law. Neither man can get the other off their minds, eventually they reconnect, beginning a relationship, they both enjoy. Elliot has had a life of privilege and doesn’t really understand William’s need for independence. But, William fully understands the difference in their social classes and Elliot’s duty to his family name. This causes some friction between them, but it gets sorted out between them. But, the threat to discovery still lingers, when Elliot’s brother-in-law starts plotting against him and Elliot’s potential fiancée begins to dig into why Elliot won’t propose… and then the storyline fizzles out when Elliot and William go to Europe.

That is when the next part of the story begins and this time it is mainly Elliot who angsts as William blossoms with new friends and Elliot begins to think that he will lose him to the lure of an easier life in Dresden. The relationship between the two is good. it shows the difficulty of the two men even being friends from two different social settings and the expectations they both have as to what to expect from the other. They have a rocky time together, as William angsts over what would happen to him if Elliot ever got bored with him. and then later Elliot angsts over William not needing him so much. 

The settings of the story are beautifully described and you get pulled into the beauty that is described and the vivid descriptions that are laid out for us. But, even that can’t make up for the disappointment you feel over the unsatisfying plot and the unfinished storyline. There was so much potential for the drama, confrontations, and secrets, but they just stopped dead leaving me frustrated and hoping it would be revisited. But the story took a turn where misunderstandings and silence dominated. And although I enjoyed the descriptions of the opera, it was done just a bit too much towards the end and it began to bore me. 

I recommend this to those who love historicals, forbidden love, crossing social settings, potential intrigue and a happy for now ending. 

Thommie’s Review:  ♥1Heart

I am highly disappointed from this book. It started so well and the descriptions were so nice to get you right at the heart of the start of 20th century industrial revolution. William’s excitement was nearly catching and I couldn’t wait for the real story and the romance to start, but it failed me quickly and unceremoniously.

First of all, there was the incredible amount of typographic and grammar errors that made the entire experience a horrible nightmare. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve read a published book in such a bad state. It felt as if the book was a first draft and hasn’t even gone through a first-hand proofreading. All the enticing descriptions and the beautiful operas that we got introduced in here were lost; Lost in a sea of eye numbing errors.

Furthermore, the story itself went way out of hand. The story follows William, a man of no social rank who by sheer fortune and of course intellect managed to land a scholarship and have a good education. Yet he is still a nobody at the high circles of 1910 New York. An accident brings him face to face with the most enticing man he’s met and he experiences a deep truth inside him, that he’s attracted to men. No, not just any man, but Elliot Reed of the Reed family in New York. A series of event leads to the two men having a relationship, a first one for William, in which he falls headfirst and with utter lack of inhibitions.

But things get somehow intense when a young lady Elliot had been courting finds their “friendship” quite odd and resolves to investigate it, in addition to Elliot’s brother in law who is hell bound to make Elliot miserable and destroy anything that makes him happy.

And this is exactly where the story went off hands. There is this huge build up that lead you to believe that things are about to happen from these quarters. You expect intrigues, drama, outing, and angst… You get nothing. Absolutely nothing!

 A business deal forces Elliot to travel to Europe and he proposes William to go with him as his nephew’s tutor by day, his lover by night. I expected some dramatic events to follow this but, heh, I really should stop doing that. The three of them went to Europe and beside the enormous education on Strauss’ opera’s and classical music we received, the plot itself was from lukewarm to downright boring.

William felt much more at home in the Old World society. He became the object of interest for a Countess’s niece and Elliot felt unneeded. That cause some drama for the pair that resolved itself after the love lesson they got from hearing Strauss’ opera Der Rosenkavalier.

So I’m left wonder why on Earth did the author build up all that backstage drama with Potter and Missy back in New York and in the end what was the point of this book, besides showing us how much of a classic fan the author is? I know there is a bitterness leaking through my words, but after two days reading a book that should have taken only few hours if it was properly polished, and after all that headache those errors brought to me I’m not feeling too generous.

End result I did not like the book at all, poorly executed and pointless in my opinion. The rating it got was solely for the wonderful description of Dresden and the Der Rosenkavalier opera.

 

Breaking Out by Garry M. Tuckwell

18113194Title:  Breaking Out

Series:  None

Author:  Garry M. Tuckwell

Genre:   Young Adult

Length:  Novel (274 Pages)      

Publisher:  Amazon Digital Services, Inc. (2013)

Heat Level:  Low

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb:   Justin Reed is sixteen and has problems. His mum died during the summer holidays, his older brother, the only person he feels he can talk to, is away at university, and he lives with a father who simply can’t deal with anything emotional. Justin tries to navigate his way through his final year at secondary school but his friends and teachers no longer seem to know how to treat him, or what to say, so they keep their distance.

But then there’s Niall Casey; he’s funny and compassionate, and makes Justin feel things that confuse him; they make him feel wonderful but even more isolated at the same time. As if Justin’s life isn’t complicated enough, he now has to try to make sense of the thoughts and emotions that course through him every time he sees Niall.

This is a story about taking risks, facing the truth, and finding love when it seems that the whole world is against you.

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Out-ebook/dp/B00DFLJE76

Reviewer:   John

Review:  I have mix feelings about this one. Breaking Out stars Justin and Niall. Now, Justin lost his mom to cancer leaving him behind in the care of his dad, Peter, and older brother, Dan. At school, he meets Niall that comes from a very Catholic background. There is an instant connection between and they soon become one.

I liked the two main characters. The writing was really good and the story was solid. The one thing that totally blew me off was the giant gaps in the story. We only get to see what happens later on because the main characters remembered it or retold it. Another thing that I hated was the fact that we don’t really get to see what happened to Niall’s parents. Did they accept him? Did they completely walk out of their child’s life? I suspect that they did, but still, that to me was left unanswered.

I recommend this novel to anyone who wants to read a unique, sweet, and coming of age young novel with a very happily ever after.

 

 

 

In His Command by Rie Warren

16280494Title:  In His Command

Series:  Don’t Tell, Book #1

Author:  Rie Warren

Genre:   Dystopian Romance

Length:  Novel (368 pages)

Publisher:  Forever Yours (August 6th 2013)

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   In the dystopian future, two men discover attraction isn’t just dangerous, it’s deadly.

It is the year 2070. Generations ago, the world was annihilated by catastrophic environmental events. The survivors were driven to live in big city centers ruled by the Company. To rebuild the world’s population, the oppressive Company had one rule: all homosexuals must be exterminated.

Commander Caspar Cannon has a stellar military reputation—and a life-threatening secret. When a revolution rips through the territories, Cannon is ordered to escort Company executive Nathaniel Rice to a secure location. For months, the commander has harbored illicit desire for Rice, knowing he cannot act on his attraction. Privileged, polished, and groomed to one day take over the Company, Rice is drawn to the rugged, military man. Yet Rice has his own mysterious agenda, and he knows their love can be as dangerous as the wasteland they must traverse.

Now leaving the besieged city behind, the two men embark on a journey that becomes a minefield of sabotage, betrayal—and forbidden passion. But when danger catches up to them, can Cannon trust the secretive man who holds his heart—and his fate?

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/His-Command-Dont-Tell-ebook/dp/B00AG0VN32/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1361214180&sr=8-3

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  ARC copy supplied through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“Look, Blondie. I’m not asking you to bottom, just to navigate.”

“Jesus, Caspar. I’m not asking you to top me, just to talk.”

This is the relationship as a whole between our two ML, Caspar (Big Boy) and Nate (Blondie). They talk to each other like they talk to no one else; they have a dry, witty banter back and forth that will make you chuckle; they get on each other’s nerves like no other and they love each other fiercely.

Caspar Cannon is a Commander in the new world army that makes up the government in the world Warren has created. Sexual deviant behavior is forbidden and punishable by death, this most definitely includes homosexuality. Caspar has always known that “tits didn’t do it for him” but his safety net is his career in Alpha Company, so he hides his secret well. Stolen moments in an underground club are his only outlet to his hidden desires, this is where he first see’s Blondie. Sexy, tall with blonde shoulder length hair, and deep blue eyes, Blondie stirs something inside Caspar that he tries to keep hidden.

Nathaniel Rice is a technical genius, a company executive and the son of a very powerful person. When rebels breech Alpha, Caspar is charged with escorting Nate to safety, imagine his surprise when they meet and he comes face to face with the one man he wants more than anything, Blondie. Thrust together by circumstance, Caspar and Nate begin a dangerous affair that could cost them both their lives if discovered.

As the story progresses both men open up more to each other every day, begin to trust one another, and have a LOT of smoking hot sex in tents and against various trees as well as the hood of a truck! Nathaniel falls hard and quick, but Caspar is not so easily trusting. He fears that if he opens up and lets Nate in he’ll be hurt, or worse killed for his indiscretions. A group of rebels that call themselves the Freelanders offer protection and solace for the lovers on the run, and not only do they not care about their relationship, they welcome it.

Both men still hold on to a deep secret though, secrets that could destroy their yet still fragile relationship. And when a betrayal from someone they thought they could trust lands Nate back within his father’s grasp and Caspar in a cell, will their love survive the trial?

In His Command is a dark and sexy story with several twists and turns along the way. The dystopian world that Warren has created is eerily believable and strategically realistic. Caspar and Nate are protective, loyal, and strong not only for each other, but for the people they call family and friends as well. Strong secondary characters round out the cast and provide a stellar story about a world that is based on homophobia and fear, and how two men that love each other change everything, including each other.

Romance, mystery, suspense and some oh my good god sex make this novel a must read for fans of the genre!

The Chosen by Annette Gisby

18080756Title: The Chosen     

Author: Annette Gisby     

Genre: Fantasy     

Length: Novella (96pgs PDF/ 200pgs Kindle)     

Publisher: Annette Gisby (16th June 2013)  first published March 20th 2010 

Heat Level: Low – Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3½ Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: The neighboring kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia have been at a tentative peace for three years after centuries of warfare. Prince Severin of Arcathia has been brought up to put duty before all else and as the only son of the King and Queen, it is his duty to marry and produce an heir. His parents want him to marry an Oscian princess to cement that tentative peace. Unfortunately, Severin isn’t interested in princesses. Now, if he had his pick of princes that would be another matter.

Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his aptitude for wizardry is discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by Prince Severin and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong, but his feelings for Severin sorely test his resolve.

With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, magic in the air, and outside forces trying to keep them apart, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?      

Purchase Link: USA: http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-ebook/dp/B00DFKVJ5C

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Chosen-ebook/dp/B00DFKVJ5C 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/326842     

Review: Severin is a prince in his own country of Arcathia, he is traveling in Oscia, who they are recently at peace with after a three-year war, and comes across a slave market. Arcathia doesn’t have slaves and Severin wishes he could buy them all, but buy’s one of them to set free once he reaches Arcaitha. Havyn has always been a slave, the kindness of his new master astounds him, and to be offered an apprenticeship with a wizard! Severin must marry a princess to continue his line but he would much prefer Havyn under him, Havyn must stay chaste to keep his magic pure and fights the temptation the prince offers. With two kingdoms in the balance, murder, and betrayal, Severin must decide if duty is more important than love. 

This is a great fantasy story that has intrigue, mystery, and secrets buried. Severin doesn’t want to marry but knows he has to do his duty, when he gets to know Havyn he can’t help but dream for a different outcome. Havyn discovers that he is much more than just a slave when he meets Prince Severin and the wizard Ildar, and he has difficulty keeping chaste when Severin tempts him so much. Setting off to meet his future bride a terrible tragedy occurs and Severin faces more difficulties to come. 

I quite enjoyed this fantasy story and the developing relationship between Havyn and Severin. I liked the storyline and the mystery that is hovering just on our peripheral vision, you know there is a secret that will be revealed you just don’t know when or by who. There are a couple of things that happen that make this story interesting but I won’t ruin the surprise. The relationship between Havyn and Severin is rocky but they find their way with some sweet loving and gentle reassurances. The journey that Severin, Havyn and Ildar undertake is a decent adventure, it never bores, and it does lead to the solution to Severin’s marriage problem. 

I recommend this to those who love fantasy, interesting storylines, twists, murder, betrayal, hopeless love, sweet lovemaking and a great ending that wraps everything up nicely. 

Wide Awake by Kade Boehme

18273077Title:  Wide Awake

Series: Wide Awake, Book #1 (2nd Edition)

Author:  Kade Boehme

Genre:   Contemporary Romance

Length:  Novella (158 pages)

Publisher:  Independent Published Author (July 30th, 2013) First published January 2013

Heat Level:  Explicit

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥♥5Hearts

Blurb:   *Recently re-released with extended content and a sparkly new cover*

27-year-old Tyler Marcus has always done the right thing. He’s intelligent, quiet, made good grades, and went on to become a celebrated civil rights attorney. But the one thing he has always wanted was the one man he should not. Mark Riley realized at 33 that his life was not what it should have been. He’d been in a marriage of responsibility, raising his son that was a teenage mistake, taken the job his father had pushed on him on the police force and had been miserably drifting along, until one night his teenage son’s friend was visiting from college and woke him from his miserable slumber. Tyler Marcus changed Mark’s life with a simple act of kindness and with one chance meeting, 5 years later, may also end up giving him the world

Product Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Wide-Awake-Kade-Boehme/dp/148232945X/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376616267&sr=1-3&keywords=kade+boehme

Reviewer:   Tams

Review:  Tyler has had a crush Mark for several long years. A chance meeting at a local gay bar brings the two face to face again after 5 years without contact. When Tyler wakes up wrapped in Mark’s arms the next morning, with expletive details of the night they shared replaying in his mind, he’s sort of standoffish. You see, it’s not just the age difference between Tyler and Mark that worries him. Or the fact that he’s been in love with Mark for what seems like forever, Mark is also his best friend’s father.

What started out as a friendly conversation on a swing set many years ago, set Mark down a path that landed him back at Tyler’s doorstep. Mark spent his entire life pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Forced to marry young by his parents, when his then girlfriend ended up pregnant, then forced into a job he hated by the same parents. One conversation with a young man who was wise beyond his years set in motion a series of events that would forever change the lives of everyone involved.

When their mutual families learn of their relationship, let’s just say the shit hits the fan! Tyler’s mom is livid. And her best friend, who happens to be Mark’s ex wife, is infuriated. And just waits until Mark’s son, Tyler’s best friend finds out. Add to that a jaw-dropping act of violence against Tyler and you have an intriguing story with just enough angst to keep you turning the pages. Boehme does an excellent job of weaving everyone’s stories together and then bringing the focus back to Tyler and Mark in the end.

In the end Wide Awake was a beautiful love story about two men that defy everyone’s logic about why they shouldn’t be together, in order to be together! Overall, this was a sexy, romantic read with a HEA ending that I just loved.

Jordy's Song by E.M. Rose

18169144Title: Jordy’s Song

Series: N/A

Author: EM Rose

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Steam EReads (August 7th, 2013)

Heat Level: Mild (Implied)

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Jordy Hurrell is the singer of rock band Rogue Night. Dave McCray is their lead guitarist, talented, beautiful, and totally oblivious to Jordy’s feelings for him. Jordy would give up his whole world for one night with Dave, but instead he has to endure night after night of seeing Dave in the arms of a gorgeous groupie.

By the time, Jordy finally raises the courage to tell Dave how he feels, someone else has stolen the guitarist’s heart and the revelation threatens to tear the band apart. Will Jordy lose everything he loves, including Rogue Night, or will he finally find someone who plays to his beat?

Product Link: http://steamereads.com.au/product/jordys-song/

Reviewer: Gigi

Review: I thought this story was really touching. The strain, the isolation of a gay singer living up to a set image of heterosexual rocker is palpable in this story. You really get a sense of desperation that Jordy is going through enduring an unrequited love interest in his best friend and bandmate, and then a sense of hopelessness once Jordy realizes he does not stand a chance with Dave. Once the story progresses into Jordy coming out I actually felt the relief the main character experiences.

This author is very good at writing emotion into their story lines. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even without a sexy love scene, didn’t need it.

Connection: Angel's Pet by Nana G.

17794771Title: Connection: Angel’s Pet

Series: N/A                         

Author: Nana G.

Genre: Gay BDSM Fantasy / Dystopia

Length: Short Story

Publisher: Smashwords Edition

Heat Level: Explicit

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥2.5 Hearts

Reviewer: Thommie

Blurb: Gay BDSM Fantasy. Adam is a submissive masochist living on a planet which systematically persecutes sadomasochists. Like other exposed sadomasochists, he has been forced into a street life. Nevertheless, he is determined to find his sir. Adam believes he is searching for a man, but his search leads him to a black winged angel. The story contains explicit material and is intended for adults only.

Warnings: Sadism/masochism, explicit sex between men, bondage, dominance, and submission.

Product Link: http://www.amazon.com/Connection-Angels-Pet-ebook/dp/B00CBYNEYC

Review: An immortal being often called an angel or God, and often referred to as monster, Camulus, visits a planet that he finds somehow weird in its society structure. While gays were once upon a time prosecuted and hunted, nowadays they are tolerated by their peers, but everyone in this world has a strong hate/disgust attitude toward masochistic submissives of any genre. Even the once that were once chased and often brutally killed have now same sentiments toward their fellow citizens due to their show of affection and need for mixing their pleasure with pain. Ironic is the fact that sadist don’t bear the same fate as they are far in between and are somewhat tolerated. Ironic is the fact that Comulus is one sadistic creature who adores masochists that are wired to thrive in pain.

When Comulus sets his eyes on Adam, a man of a rare disposition, a pure-breed masochist, he makes up his mind to stop his wandering through the starts, settle on this planet for a while, and enjoy this rarity. And this is how this story begins.

Now, the idea was too enticing for me to pass. A society so judgmental on one aspect of someone’s sexuality or sexual needs that they go into obsession and downright hatred against this small group with outrageous displays of brutality. A relationship between an Immortal and a mortal in the mists of chaos. The birth of outmost trust when fear and betrayal wait in every corner. A sadomasochistic pair whose dynamic should be wondrous to witness and explore. It has everything I require in a read, everything that grips me and make me succumb.

Unfortunately, despite the advantages, this read lacked the one thing that would make it grate. It lacked the connection between book and reader. The narration was too clinical, too detached for you to feel the characters deep in your core. The Angel, a powerful being that should have served the rise in the intensity level, lacked the mysticism of his presence. Adam’s needs and the danger level of his very existence were lost in narration and the way the story was told left you no way of feeling it or relating at a minor point with its characters.

Both Comulu’s and Adam’s introduction was hastily made, with no build up for their interaction, and there is a serious lack of passion as the story start. We only get to see more of them after the second chapter, but then again the text suffered from “telling” and the sensuality, the eroticism, and the powerful dynamics of an S/M relationship blooming were not felt. Every intimate scene was spoilt by the inner thoughts of the characters, taking you away from the scene itself until it was over and you were told the end result. All my eagerness for the masochistic streak of the protagonist was lost, as I did not feel his levels of tolerance; I did not get to lose myself in the magic of such creature and the pleasure of ultimate erotic pain. Even the air suspension scene was lost in thought about completely different things and Adam’s chance to shine was lost in the time leap. Such a shame that one was.

The end itself was in line with the start. The narrator jumped the years and gave us a mild satisfactory end where Adam gets some sort of acceptance from the one who betrayed him while he got a completely different reaction from the one who supposedly loved him. The contradiction made for a perfect example of society and human interactions. I also totally love the last final line.

But all in all, I felt this read did not explore its full possibilities and while it could be quite powerful with its idea, we got a mild, detached story.

The Sol of Jupiter by Thaddeus J.

Backcover_wtitles03_zps33ee19eaTitle: The Sol of Jupiter

Series:  N/A 

Author: Thaddeus J.
  
Genre:  Contemporary Romance/Military

Length: Novel (93k word count)

Publisher:  Createspace (July 10th, 2013)

Heat Level:  Mild

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Blurb: Turner Michaels is an idealistic junior enlisted communicator that wants nothing more than to successfully execute his duties. After being transferred to a light armored reconnaissance unit in the middle of the Mojave Desert, the young U.S. Marine starts to feel a bit overwhelmed and out of place from his usual role of support – that is until he is reunited with his old friend Jace Sozio. Reconnecting with one another is simple, but neither of them could have imagined the intense yet awkward attraction that would grow between them. Though admitting these feelings to one another poses a dilemma for the men, as neither wants it to threaten their close friendship. Taking things to a whole new level raises a number of other questions as well. First and foremost, would their peers accept them, or would they have to forever hide their relationship? And admitting their true feelings for one another is easier said than done. Their harsh supervisor is demanding and makes life miserable for the pair, and they also have a number of very good (though sometimes annoying) friends that make them question if they even need enemies. But with the help of their family and inspiring leaders, the two will discover that loyalty and support are stronger than bigotry and misperception. Proving that the Corps indeed is a sacred brotherhood where men can trust one another with their very lives.
Product Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/334900

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Sol-of-Jupiter-ebook/dp/B00DUWZD16

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: This is an enduring friends to lovers story that is layered with all the pressures of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell on the conflicted lover’s shoulders. Most of the story occurs during non-combat training in various bases in the U.S. Pressure builds as Turner and Jace each keep secret their attraction for each other, even though Turner has come out to his barracks mate, keeping secrets like this has an ill effect on his performance. Jace’s strange behavior starts raising red flags with another long time friend and bunkmate until the final confrontation explodes into full fury and threats of dishonorable discharge. The details of the barracks, the bases, and surrounding landscape are so descriptive I can’t help but believe the author spent some time serving or working on the bases. This is an HEA, but the struggles to get there kept me glued to the pages throughout.

Taboo for You by Anyta Sunday

719SvPiqGzL._SL1500_Title:  Taboo for You

Author:  Anyta Sunday

Genre:  Contemporary, friends to lovers

Length:  Novel (346 pages)

Publisher: Anyta Sunday (June 28th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥5 Hearts

Reviewer:  Cat

Blurb:  Sam’s freaking out. He’s 30 in three weeks. And what has he done in his twenties? It’s pretty simple math: nothing exciting at all. But hey, he has three weeks right? Maybe that’s just enough time to tick his way through a 20s Must Do List . . . 

Luke’s freaking screwed. He’s come out to his family, and his friends. Except there’s a certain someone who doesn’t know yet: his neighbor of 7 years. Who also happens to be his best friend. Who Luke needs to tell the truth, but he just . . . can’t . . . seem to . . .

Jeremy’s freaking over-the-moon. It’s the countdown to his 15th birthday, and his goal is simple. No matter what, he’s going to spend heaps of time with saucy Suzy. But first, he needs to get his over-protective, no-girlfriend-’cause-you’ll-get-her-pregnant parents off his back. And what better way than pretending he’s gay? 

Sam, Luke, and Jeremy. Three guys who have a lot of history together, and a lot of future too—

—well, if they can sort out their issues, that is. 

A Friends to Lovers Novel

Purchase Link:  http://www.amazon.com/Taboo-For-Friends-Lovers-ebook/dp/B00DOPMQ1E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1376156008&sr=1-1&keywords=taboo+for+you+anyta+sunday

Review: Sam is going through a crisis. His life changed at 15, when he had a son and now that he is almost thirty he freaks out and decides to fill his list of things to do in his twenties.

Luke is Sam’s neighbour and best friend, though he has a secret he just realized and wants to share with Sam, especially since he found Sam’s to do in the twenties list and he would happily fill most of those things with Luke.

Jeremy is Sam’s son and was born on Sam’s 15th birthday so he will soon be 15. Jeremy spends every other week with his dad and usually the neighbour Luke. Jeremy is going through changes of his own growing up, sexual feelings, and now his mom has a secret.

Oh boy, is this one fun rollercoaster ride. It starts out fast and goes faster. I adored the sense of humour and how it starts out with a math lesson (trust me it’s fun!) and numbers play such a prominent role throughout the story. I got to where every time I saw big numbers on a page I was already laughing.

I love good character driven stories and this one didn’t disappoint. Every character in this story (and here are several) is interesting, charming, and has a story to tell. The book is in first person and in three character views and I love this, to get inside so many character minds. There is  at least three good storylines, Sam’s midlife crisis, Luke’s wanting to come out, Jeremy dealing with growing up, sexuality, friendship, and his Mother’s wanting a life too, and even though Jeremy’s mom isn’t a main character she plays several roles also and is just as good as the main ones.

I will say that a few times I really wanted to smack both Luke and Sam in the head and shake the crap out of them. I mean really Sam; swimming with sharks requires a lot of feelings, more than friendship, especially if it’s their worse fear.

If you like a good, sexy, sweet romance with no bad guys, lots of emotions, a good laugh, numbers, friends to lovers and some really sensual love this is definitely one for you.